Chaucer: A Critical Appreciation.

Description: Appreciative commentary on Chaucer’s life and works, considering what can and cannot be determined from his life-records and literature, why he may not have completed several works, why (though a civil servant) he did not comment on political events, and more—seeking to capture “glimpses” of his personality as a comic poet, an “amateur of genius” who is distinctly tolerant of the world. Concentrates on CT and TC, but mentions other works recurrently, attending to inconsistencies as well as excellences of style (including realism), characterization, theme, and form; audiences; source material, and tone, with close reading of passages often included. Reacts to previous criticism.

Chaucer Subjects: Background and General Criticism
Chaucer's Life
Style and Versification